Almost everyone has a cold now and then. It is usually a minor annoyance, with symptoms like a cough and sore throat. But sometimes the common cold can produce more serious complications.
At UPMC, providers can ease your cough, sore throat, or other cold symptoms. They can offer medicines and home treatments to help you feel better. They may also diagnose any complications.
On this page:
What Are Coughs, Colds, and Sore Throats?
A cold is a common, minor infection that almost everyone has in their lifetime.
Colds are contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Coughs and sore throats are typical symptoms of a cold.
Allergies, strep throat, and other health problems can also cause coughs and sore throats.
Most common colds are unlikely to cause other health problems.
How common are coughs, colds, and sore throats?
The common cold, along with symptoms like coughs and sore throat, is very common. Experts estimate there are more than 1 billion colds per year in the United States.
Adults typically get two to three colds per year. September to May is prime season for the common cold.
Children get colds more frequently. They average six to eight colds per year.
What causes coughs, colds, and sore throats?
More than 200 different respiratory viruses can cause cold symptoms, including a sore throat, cough, runny nose, and headache. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds in the United States.
Other health problems, like allergies or strep throat, can also cause symptoms of a cold.
When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, they send microscopic virus particles into the air. If you're near that person, you may breathe in the virus and get sick.
A cold virus can infect you before you get symptoms like a cough or sore throat.
Some people can "carry" the virus and infect others for a short time, even though they never get symptoms themselves. In other words, you can get a cold from someone who doesn't have symptoms.
You can also get a cold by holding hands, kissing, and other forms of close contact.
Other possible causes of a cough or sore throat include:
- Allergies — Immune system reactions to allergens, which are usually harmless substances that the body mistakenly identifies as dangerous. When it happens, the immune system overreacts and triggers symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
- Strep throat — A contagious bacterial infection that causes an extreme sore throat. You may also have a fever and a hard time swallowing. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria and get rid of your symptoms.
- Tonsillitis — An inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Telltale signs of tonsillitis include white or yellow spots on the tonsils and voice changes due to swelling of the tonsils. If you have tonsillitis, your throat may only hurt on one side when you swallow.
More serious health issues like cancers or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also cause long-term coughs and sore throats.
Cough, cold, and sore throat risk factors
Certain risk factors can make you more likely to get a cold. These risk factors may also mean you get more severe symptoms. They include:
- Age — Younger children get more colds each year. Older adults are more likely to become very sick from respiratory viruses.
- A weak immune system — People with weaker immune systems from a health problem or medicine are more prone to getting cold symptoms.
- Stress and poor sleep — You're more likely to get cold symptoms when you're stressed or sleep-deprived. That's because your immune system isn't as able to fight off the virus.
- Exposure — People who are in close quarters with many other people have a higher chance of getting a cold. For instance, you may notice you get cold symptoms after a party or airplane trip.
- Smoking — People who smoke get more colds. Smoking can weaken your immune system, and it also damages the protective membranes in the nose and throat. Cold symptoms in smokers are often more severe and last longer compared to people who don't smoke.
Complications of coughs, colds, and sore throats
Sometimes, the virus that causes a common cold can lead to more serious conditions. Complications may include:
How can I reduce my risks of coughs, colds, and sore throats?
To reduce your risk of getting coughs, colds, and sore throats, you can:
- Avoid people with cold symptoms.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that you and other family members touch often.
- Get enough sleep and reduce stress.
- Give your body the nutrients it needs to fight viruses. Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stop smoking.
- Wash your hands often.
- Wear a mask in crowded areas, especially during colder months when colds spread more.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cough, Cold, or Sore Throat?
Colds usually last between seven and 10 days.
Symptoms of a cold include:
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Mild fever.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Sneezing.
- Sore throat.
- Watery eyes.
When should I see a doctor about my cough, cold, or sore throat symptoms?
You should see a doctor if you have:
- A cough or fever that goes away but comes back within days or weeks. It could be pneumonia.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fast breathing or fast heart rate.
- Fever that lasts beyond four days.
- Symptoms that don't get better after 10 days.
- Worsening of chronic medical problems like COPD or asthma.
How Do You Diagnose a Cough, Cold, or Sore Throat?
Your doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms, including when they started.
- Look at the back of your throat for signs of infection, like swelling and redness. If strep bacteria is the cause of your sore throat, the doctor may see white patches.
- Use a stethoscope to listen as you breathe to check if the infection has spread to your lungs. When people have pneumonia, the lungs make crackling or rumbling sounds.
Tests to diagnose coughs, colds, and sore throats
To help diagnose these and other issues that can cause coughs and sore throats, your doctor may order tests like:
How Do You Treat a Cough, Cold, or Sore Throat?
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms like a cough and sore throat while you recover from a cold. There’s no cure for a cold, but treatment can help you feel better.
At-home treatments for coughs, colds, and sore throats
Most colds go away on their own without a doctor's care.
If your symptoms are making you feel lousy, our providers can offer treatments and advice to help relieve them.
If you have a cold, cough, or sore throat, you can feel better by:
- Getting rest, so your body can work to destroy the virus.
- Staying hydrated with water, juice, or clear broth. This helps your body flush out the virus and restore fluids you may lose when sweating with a fever.
- Using a spoonful of honey, saltwater gargles, or lozenges to soothe a sore throat.
- Using a humidifier, which will make it easier to breathe if you're congested. It will also help if you have a dry, sore throat.
Medicine to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats
You can also get the following medicines over the counter:
- Cough suppressants.
- Decongestants or antihistamines for a runny or stuffy nose. These come in pill or nasal spray form.
- Pain medicine (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for headaches, muscle aches, or fevers.
Doctors don't advise taking over-the-counter cough medicines for more than a week. Decongestant nasal sprays stop working if you take them more than three days in a row. Overuse can make symptoms worse.
If your cold symptoms continue after a week without improving, see your medical provider for help.
How long does it take to recover after treatment for a cough, cold, or sore throat?
Most colds and sore throats last about seven to 10 days. A cough may linger a few days longer.
There’s not much you can do to speed along recovery from a cold. It needs to run its course.
Using the remedies above may slightly shorten its duration. In the meantime, they can help relieve your symptoms.
Why Choose UPMC for Cough, Cold, and Sore Throat Care?
While the common cold usually isn’t dangerous, it can cause symptoms that make you uncomfortable and interrupt your schedule. At UPMC, we understand how a cold or cough can slow you down — and that you’re looking for fast relief.
At UPMC, you can expect:
- Care that fits your busy life — We offer many convenient care options that can meet your schedule. Many of our urgent care walk-in locations are open on weekends and evenings. We also offer 24/7 video visits.
- Locations close to home — There’s no need to wait days to see a provider. We have many urgent care locations throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
- Testing for respiratory illnesses — Symptoms of the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 can be similar. With simple testing options, we can pinpoint your condition and treat it accordingly.
Additional Common Questions
What questions should I ask my provider about coughs, colds, and sore throats?
- Are cold symptoms the same as COVID-19 symptoms?
- How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?
- How long will my cold last?
- What can I do to protect my kids from getting so many colds?
- What's causing my cough or sore throat if it's not a cold or flu?
- When should I check back if my symptoms continue?
